Friday, September 24, 2010

Tina's Home in Time for Brownies and Cheese

Brownies and Cheese? Ewww, okay so maybe it's not what you think...let me go back.

Tina was released from the hospital on Monday, Sept 13. The doctors were unclear at first if Tina did have pnuemonia or not but it turns out she did. Her calcium and potassium were better so they let her go home with just an inhaler, unfortunately, no oxygen.

On Wednesday, Tina had a lot of trouble breathing in the morning so she had mom call 911 so she could get oxygen quicker than waiting until they got to the hospital. They didn't get into a room til about 11:30 pm. By 11pm on Thursday, she was tucked in bed at home resting and recouping after a family birthday party for Ashley. I can't believe it, she's 7 already! They said the party was a blast. I wish I could have been there.

Sadly, the next few days were pretty rough. She didn't have an appetite and was nauseous and vomitting. She was still having a hard time breathing. Her care manager from CTCA in Philly said to take the drive up on Monday for tests.

On Tuesday they did a CAT scan and drained almost a liter of fluid from her lungs. I didn't know it was even possible for lungs to hold that much...not that they're ever meant to hold fluid. She was sore afterwards. The nurse had her doing excercises to reexpand her lungs. My heart just goes out to her. With the breathing problems, I feel guilty calling her because if she can't breathe well, she can't talk. I also feel guilty only being able to get updates through mom instead of first hand.

She spent a lot of time resting in the hospital and came home today. She was home in time for Ashley's first Girl Scout meeting for Brownies. Tomorrow is Ashley's party at Chuck E. Cheese. See, brownies and cheese. :)

It's been a rough time recently. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers to feel better.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Hospital Trip aka Family Fun Day

Tina wasn't feeling well Friday morning; she had a little trouble breathing. Her doctor said to go to the ER. She really dislikes Freehold hospital so they drove an extra 10 minutes to Jersey Shore hospital. Her bloodwork came back high, possibly due to an infection in her lungs. They started her on IV antibiotics as a precaution before any results came in.

It's Tina's weekend with Ashley so on Saturday, they had a family fun day. Paul, Peyton, Mom, Tina and Ashley sat around playing board games and card games. You've got to make the best of the situation.

Speaking of "the situation", when I heard she was at Jersey Shore Hospital, all I could think of was a too-tanned guido with a six-pack and a stethoscope as her doctor. Nurse: "Doctor, what's the situation?" Doctor: "I AM the situation!" Laughter really is the best medicine. It really helps and doesn't make you feel all crappy like chemo. :)

The results weren't ready on Saturday and they spoke with the pulmonogist today (aka The Situation). He compared the xray from two months ago when she was in the ER the night before the wedding to the one from Friday. He said they look the same. The fluid in her lungs is not new, they just thought there was an infection this time. Mom didn't mention anything about the cultures but did say that if she had pneumonia that the doctors wouldn't be releasing her today...but they are. Tina and the family will be home soon.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Ups and Downs Recently

Tina has started a new chemo. It's once a week for two weeks, then one week off. About a week and a half ago, Tina had a cracked molar surgically extracted. That was pretty rough between the chemo "hangover" and the sedation drugs.

The good news is she and mom got to see one of the last Brooks and Dunn concerts before they stop touring forever. She said the wheelchair seating was pretty close. With that, you never can tell if it's gonna be up front or close to the back. They lucked out. I think she even got an autograph from the opening act. Who knows, maybe it'll be worth something someday.